Gum Disease Therapy – Melbourne, FL

Did you know that the foundation for a healthy smile is healthy gums? Without these soft tissues to hold your teeth in place, you wouldn’t be able to bite or chew your food, speak clearly, or show your pearly whites in a confident smile. If your teeth do not have cavities, it can be easy to regard signs of problems with your gums as no big deal. However, the leading cause of tooth loss throughout the world isn’t tooth decay—it’s gum disease. Without intervention, this common condition can wreak havoc on your smile and your overall well-being. Luckily, our team offers gum disease therapy near Viera and other areas around Melbourne. Keeping reading to learn more!

What is gum disease?

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection that inflames the gum tissue. Initially, gum disease appears relatively harmless with red, swollen gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss. It may also cause you to have chronic bad breath. Over time, however, as the infection worsens, the gums recede from the teeth, and the bacteria eventually spread to the jaw bone and supporting tissues. Untreated, gum disease can lead to unstable or loose teeth and ultimately tooth loss.

In addition, studies have found that gum disease can have a far more serious impact on your health than just gaps in your bite. For example, research suggests that the bacteria responsible for gum disease can enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation elsewhere, such as the brain and important arteries and blood vessels. As a result, untreated gum disease can increase your odds of getting heart disease and Alzheimer’s. That’s why it’s so important to treat this condition as early as possible.

How is gum disease treated?

Our skilled dentists can provide the treatment you need to get rid of the bacteria that cause gum disease. We can perform procedures called scaling, which entails a thorough cleaning both above and below the gum line, and root planing, a process to smooth the rough root surface and prevent future reinfection. If necessary, we can also use topical antibacterial therapy to eliminate pockets of trapped plaque that we may have missed. These treatments are typically repeated every three to four months until we are sure that the infection is truly gone. After that, we can resume your regular checkup appointments to keep gum disease from coming back again.

How can gum disease be prevented?

You play a critical role in keeping your gums healthy. Every day, you should take care of your teeth and gums by brushing twice and flossing once. Also, you need to come to our Melbourne practice twice a year for a dental checkup and cleaning. During this appointment, we can remove hardened plaque and bacteria and stop gum disease at its earliest stage, protecting your smile and your overall health for the long term.

Could you have gum disease? If you think you do or if it’s been a while since your last dental visit, contact our experienced team for an appointment. We’ll be happy to get your smile back on track!